Autism And Behavioural Science at NC - Niagara College Canada - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-31

Program overview

Program Overview

The Autism and Behavioural Science program at Niagara College is designed for individuals passionate about supporting those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This 1 Year Graduate Certificate program focuses on developing expertise in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) principles and equips students with the necessary skills to work effectively in therapeutic and educational settings. Students will learn to design, implement, and evaluate behavioral intervention plans tailored to the unique needs of individuals with ASD. The program emphasizes cultural competence and individualized care approaches, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to make a positive impact in the lives of those they serve.

Program Structure

The Autism and Behavioural Science program is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience over a 1 Year period. Key features of the program structure include:

Two unique field placement opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience in real-world settings.
Courses designed to emphasize cultural competence and individualized approaches to care.
Introduction to technologies and applications that support classroom theory and field placement.
Certification in non-violent crisis intervention available to enhance student qualifications.

This program is delivered at the Welland campus and is eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience after completion. The curriculum is designed to ensure that students are well-equipped to meet the challenges of working with individuals with ASD in various environments.

Featured Experiences

Hands-on learning through two field placements tailored to individual learning needs.
Access to a full-time field placement officer for support throughout the placement process.
Opportunities to gain certification in non-violent crisis intervention.
Introduction to various technologies that enhance learning and practical application in the field.

Career Options

Graduates of the Autism and Behavioural Science program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Behavioural Technician: Work in therapeutic and educational environments, implementing ABA strategies under the supervision of a Registered Behaviour Analyst.
Educational Assistant: Support students with ASD in school settings, assisting with their educational and behavioral needs.
ABA Facilitator: Facilitate ABA programs in community or home-based settings, working closely with families to provide training and support.
Family Support Worker: Collaborate with families to provide training and resources, helping them navigate the challenges associated with ASD.
Community Service Worker: Work for organizations that serve individuals with ASD, providing support and advocacy to enhance their quality of life.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit NC - Niagara College Canada official website

Last updated on 2025-07-31

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate program at Niagara College, applicants must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Ontario College Diploma (or equivalent) in one of the following fields:
- Child and Youth Care (Worker)
- Communication Disorders Assistant
- Developmental Services Worker
- Early Childhood Education
- Educational Assistant
- Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant
- Social Service Worker
- Therapeutic Recreation
Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following fields:
- Behavioural Science
- Child Studies
- Education
- Psychology
- Speech and Language Sciences
- Social Work
- Sociology
For applicants who have studied outside of these fields, a one-page cover letter indicating why they feel they would be successful in the ABS program, along with a résumé that includes educational and work background, is required.
Proof of English proficiency is also necessary.

Additionally, the following program requirements must be fulfilled:

A Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (CRC-VSS) which is less than 6 months old is required before the start of the program.
Students must complete a confidential Communicable Disease Surveillance (CDS) Form and submit it to Student Health Services prior to the start of the program.
Current Standard First Aid certification and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Level C certification is recommended before the start of the program.
Students should recognize the physical demands involved in caring for children and may be required to lift up to 22.7 kilograms (50 pounds).
Students are responsible for their own transportation to complete program requirements.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For any clarification and support regarding the admission process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

If English is your second language, Niagara College will accept the following language proficiency scores for the Autism And Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate program:

Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE or C2 Proficiency/CPE)
- Minimum score for graduate programs: 176 – No skill under 169.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Minimum score for graduate programs: 6.5 – No individual band under 5.5.
Internet-based (IBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Minimum score for graduate programs: iBT: 85 - Minimum: 22 Writing, 22 Speaking.
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Minimum score for graduate programs: 60+, with no individual skill below 57.
Duolingo English Language Test
- Minimum score for graduate programs: 120+, with no individual subscore below 100.
Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL)
- Minimum score for graduate programs: 60 – No individual band under 50.
Completion of Niagara College’s English for Academic Preparation (EAP) Level 5 with 75% and no individual grade under 60% OR English as a Second Language (ESL) Online exit test.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!